- Lagos police disperse #EndSARS protesters with tear gas, arrests.
- Protesters commemorated the 4th anniversary of the movement.
- Demands included implementation of judicial panel recommendations.
- Police cited traffic disruptions, protesters’ refusal to disperse.
- Activists seek justice for Lekki Toll Gate victims, police reform.
- Incident highlights ongoing frustrations, demands for accountability.
The #EndSARS protests, which began in October 2020, were a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, shedding light on police brutality and sparking demands for reform. Today, protesters gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the movement, but were met with tear gas and arrests by the Lagos State Police Command .
The protesters, armed with banners and placards, called for the full implementation of the recommendations made by judicial panels set up after the 2020 protests. These panels were established to investigate the incidents and address the protesters’ demands, but nearly four years later, many of their recommendations remain unfulfilled.
One protester recounted his experience, saying, “They have started firing tear gas at us. I fell into the gutter; I was hit on the head.” Another activist, Hassan Soweto, speaking from a police van, condemned the police action, stating, “We’re simply here to mark the passage of our brothers and sisters who were killed four years ago… We’re never going to give up on our right to continue to demand our rights.”
The police defended their actions, citing traffic disruptions and the protesters’ refusal to disperse. However, this incident highlights the ongoing frustrations among activists seeking justice for the victims of the Lekki Toll Gate shooting and demanding police reform and accountability.
In related news, the UK recently deported 44 Nigerians and Ghanaians in a single flight, sparking concerns about immigration enforcement and the treatment of asylum seekers . This development comes as the world reflects on the significance of the #EndSARS movement and its impact on police brutality in Nigeria and across Africa.
